cite

¹

[sahyt]

verb (used with object)

cited, citing 

1. to quote (a passage, book, author, etc.), especially as an authority.

   He cited the Constitution in his defense.

2. to mention in support, proof, or confirmation; refer to as an example.

   He cited many instances of abuse of power.

3. to summon officially or authoritatively to appear in court.

4. to call to mind; recall.

   citing my gratitude to him.

5. Military.,  to mention (a soldier, unit, etc.) in orders, as for gallantry.

6. to commend, as for outstanding service, hard work, or devotion to duty.

7. to summon or call; rouse to action.

cite

²

[sahyt]

noun

1. citation.

cite

/ saɪt /

verb

1. to quote or refer to (a passage, book, or author) in substantiation as an authority, proof, or example

2. to mention or commend (a soldier, etc) for outstanding bravery or meritorious action

3. to summon to appear before a court of law

4. to enumerate

   he cited the king's virtues

Other Word Forms

• citer noun
• citable adjective
• citeable adjective
• noncitable adjective
• nonciteable adjective
• uncitable adjective
• unciteable adjective
• uncited adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cite¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin citāre “to hurry, set in motion, summon before a court,” frequentative of ciēre “to move, set in motion”

Origin of cite²

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45; by shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of cite¹

C15: from Old French citer to summon, from Latin citāre to rouse, from citus quick, from ciēre to excite

Example Sentences

Named for a philanthropist and activist who worked to improve jail conditions for women in L.A. starting in the 1940s, the commission’s findings were recently cited in a state lawsuit over what Atty.

From Los Angeles Times

A narrowly divided Budget and Finance Committee voted to recommend a much smaller package of repairs to the Convention Center, citing concerns about the cost of expanding the facility.

From Los Angeles Times

In August, Kneecap announced it was cancelling its US tour, citing Mr Ó hAnnaidh's legal battle.

From BBC

He cited decisions by streamers in 2020 to remove episodes of shows such as Golden Girls and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, with references to black face.

From BBC

The transit authority cited a lack of local oversight in its decision.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• allege 
• allude to www.thesaurus.com
• indicate 
• mention 
• name 
• offer 
• point out 
• present 
• recount 
• refer to www.thesaurus.com
• repeat 
• specify 
• spell out 
• tell